Navy Commissions Second Block IV Virginia-class Attack Submarine

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By Kris Osborn – President & Editor-In-Chief, Warrior Maven

The Navy has now commissioned its second Block IV Virginia-class attack submarine as part of its ongoing process to build its force as more Los Angeles class submarines retire and the global threat circumstance intensifies.

The arrival of the USS Oregon, recently commissioned in New London, Ct., is a welcome development for many Navy ship developers who have in recent years expressed concern about a coming submarine “shortfall” in future years as legacy platforms retire. 

Virginia-class Submarine

The hope among many Navy leaders and members of Congress has for many years been to uptick, accelerate and increase production of Virginia-class boats to ensure the existing fleet can meet growing requests from Combatant Commanders in high-threat areas of the world.

For many years, the Navy has been studying the US industrial base capacity and engaged in discussion with Congress for the specific purpose of exploring the option of building three new Virginia-class boats per year, or at least maintaining a pace of two per year once the Columbia-class boats start arriving.

A Navy report on the commissioning says the USS Oregon, is 377 feet long, has a 34-foot beam and is able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots. The submarine has a crew of nearly 140 Navy personnel.